That was the first Christmas that I ever faked and I was terrified that I would be found out. A whole childhood of being laughed at and singled out as different will do that to you. I was afraid that everyone would know I was a Christmas fraud and more than anything I so badly just wanted to fit in. To be normal. That kind of thing sticks with you.

No matter whether you are religious, agnostic or atheist, the great old churches and temples of this world carry a powerful charge of energy from the centuries of prayer, of song and of silence that have been carried out there. Even now, most folk hush themselves when they enter an ancient church and take a moment to feel the echo of the ages.

Whether it's you, or someone else in your life, we all know a health nut who wants nothing but an organic stocking filled with life-boosting goodies.... So, I've put together a list of my 10 favourite gifts to make your life a little easier!

We also both agreed that we have received some incredibly thoughtful gifts ourselves for Christmas. However we have additionally been guilty of gifting, and being gifted, last minute indulgence purchases because we simply ran out of ideas or time.

As we tick ever closer towards Christmas Day, people up and down the country will be starting to panic. Then you realised it's official, the countdown to Christmas and festive season is closely approaching and the present-buying panic is in full swing.

When it comes to Christmas food the most important thing is not to overcomplicate and to stay calm! Producing a perfect spread is all about time management and not losing your head when things don't quite go according to plan. So pour yourself a Baileys and follow my tips for perfect festive food.

You will have to make a last-minute stop to a major supermarket to restock all of the Christmas booze and chocolates. You bought them last month on special offer and they have mysteriously vanished. This, you swear, will be the last time you step foot in Asda... until 27 December.

Every vegan knows there's more to the holidays than mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and high-street light displays. From meat-free centrepieces to faux-leather handbags, vegans have the holly-est, jolly-est Christmas around!

This year, although I've just moved into a new house, I've found myself telling family and friends there's nothing I need for Christmas. Of course there are things I would like, a car, new shoes, jewellery etc. But there really is nothing I feel like I urgently need.

Christmas gifts such as handbags, jewelry and chocolates have been replaced with practical items such as a new baby carrier, Maxi-Cosi car seat and playpen - yes for me of course, Baby Boo gets a whole set of toys, books and fun!

If you aren't one of the two people on the planet that lives for Christmas, then below are some tips that will help you survive the festive period without any Santa's, reindeer, adults, children, Christmas trees, TV sets and pretty much anything else being harmed in the process...

Have you noticed the number of Random Acts of Kindness stories doing the rounds right now? From paying food bills to funding new tyres and rescuing dogs from frozen lakes, the gestures are endless. Is it the time of year? Or is something more magical going on?

Girlfriends are an unbelievably hard species to buy presents for. If it's a new relationship, they're going to go for "Oh! Just get me anything!". As opposed to if it's a long term relationship, when they're instead going to state "Oh, just get me anything!". You both know, that's not how this is going to go.

The streets are lit up, homes pulsing with light. Bushes twinkle in front gardens while back gardens up and down the country are dark and jealous. If you listen carefully, on this cold winter night before Christmas, you can almost, almost, hear the magical sound of the national grid wheezing...

Novel Beings is an agency representing 'conscious' creatives in the fashion, beauty and advertising industries. The Novel team and myself have put together a list of innovative, sustainable beauty, fashion and lifestyle products that have got us all hot under the collar for Christmas.

Appropriate for both men and women of any age, these items are unique, attractive and simple. In addition to this they are useful, functional and practical. What more could you want? Oh hang on, there's just one other teeny tiny point to mention: each product comes from a brand that designs and produces in a responsible way.

It's getting closer and closer to Christmas! And as if shopping is not stressful enough, there is the small problem of getting the loved one in your life a gift that she will really love.
Fear not! It's all about finding something that resonates with her style and taste whilst it doesn't have to break the bank either.

So what do you buy a new mum for Christmas? Or mum to be? As I work with a team of mums with a mission to delight them at every given opportunity, I believe that all present buying for such special people should be thoughtfully considered.

Please consider doing this: ask one friend/family member/loved one whether this year, instead of buying a gift for you they could please buy one gift for a refugee instead - for someone who has very little, who is facing very tough times, and who would really appreciate this hard earned cash being spent on something essential for them.